Cycle-type exercise equipment conversion apparatus and methods of converting thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for converting a cycle-type exercise machine into another type of exercise machine includes a stationary frame structure that attaches to a frame of the cycle-type exercise machine, a pair of swing arms pivotally coupled with the stationary frame structure, and a pair of coupler bars pivotally coupled with the pair of swing arms on one end and rotationally attached to a crank bar of the cycle-type exercise machine on an opposite end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/136,560, filed on Apr. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.10,039,953, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/153,289 entitled “Elliptical Bicycle Conversion KitApparatus and Methods of Converting Thereof” and filed on Apr. 27, 2015,the entirety of each being incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

One or more embodiments relate generally to exercise equipment, e.g.,bicycles, spin or exercise cycles, rowing machines, stepper machines,and the like, and more particularly, to a cycle-type exercise equipmentconversion apparatus and methods of converting thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

A bicycle is a human powered vehicle that traditionally has, inter alia,a seat and pedals which allow a person to generate rotational motion anddrive a wheel to propel the vehicle upon a surface, e.g., a road. Whilethe term “bicycle” refers to such a vehicle that has two wheels, similarvehicles generally referred to as “cycles” herein may have other numbersof wheels. For example, a unicycle has one wheel and a tricycle hasthree wheels. A cycle has a drive train that converts a human operator'scircular motion of pedaling to rotate a circular drive gear intocircular motion of a wheel that propels the vehicle in a generallylinear direction via contact with a surface, e.g., a road. Whilestandard or conventional bicycles are generally used outdoors,stationary exercise machines that are not properly considered vehiclesbut are based upon the same principle as the drive train of a bicyclehave been developed for indoor use. These may be generally referred toas spin cycles or exercycles. While they do not generally propel thespin cycle in a linear direction upon a surface, they do involve a humanoperator engaging in a circular motion of pedaling against resistance inorder to exercise. In addition, training devices have been designed toincorporate a standard bicycle as a stationary trainer or exercisemachine, for both indoor and outdoor use.

A conventional elliptical machine, on the other hand, is traditionally astationary exercise device that is used to simulate some or all of theaspects of stair climbing, running, and walking, among other exercises,by using a non-circular motion of pedaling by a human operator whotypically stands while using the elliptical machine. As such, anelliptical machine exercises different muscle groups and doesn't strainthe groin, back, and wrists as much as cycling. With an elliptical-typemachine or exerciser, the user can reduce stress on the knees, ankles,hips, joints and other parts of the human body, since these types ofmachines decrease the strain and stress on the body in compared tocycles that are driven by a circular motion of pedaling.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,446 B2, issued on May 18, 2010, to Bryan Pate andBrent Teal, is entitled “Self-Propelled Vehicle Propelled By AnElliptical Drive Train” and is referenced herein. This technology is anoutdoor exercise machine that operates in a manner similar to that of abicycle, except using elliptical pedaling motions rather than abicycle's circular pedaling motions.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, an apparatus for converting a cycle-typeexercise machine into another type of exercise machine includes: astationary frame structure that attaches to a frame of the cycle-typeexercise machine; a pair of swing arms having a proximal end and adistal end, the proximal end of each of the pair of swing arms beingpivotally coupled with the stationary frame structure to swing relativeto the stationary frame structure; and a pair of coupler bars having afirst end and a second end, the first end of each of the pair of couplerbars being pivotally coupled with the distal end of a respective one ofthe pair of swing arms, the second end of each of the pair of couplerbars being configured to rotationally attach to a crank bar of thecycle-type exercise machine.

The apparatus may also include a pair of foot platforms, each of thepair of foot platforms coupled with one of the pair of coupler bars.

The apparatus may also include a pair of pedals, each of the pair ofpedals coupled with one of the pair of coupler bars.

The apparatus may also include a pair of handles, each of the pair ofhandles coupled with one of the pair of coupler bars.

The apparatus may also include a pair of handles, each of the pair ofhandles coupled with one of the pair of swing arms.

The stationary frame structure may include a seat post insert thatinserts into a seat post of a frame of the cycle-type exercise machine.

The stationary frame structure may include a rail mount portion thatmounts into a seat rail mount of the cycle-type exercise machine.

The stationary frame structure may include a seat post clamp that clampsonto a seat post insert below a seat of the cycle-type exercise machine.

The stationary frame structure may include a pair of generally verticalbars having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of each of thepair of generally vertical bars configured to mount onto a rear cornerof a diamond frame of the cycle-type exercise machine, and the proximalend of each of the pair of swing arms being pivotally coupled with theupper end of a respective one of the pair of generally vertical bars.

The pair of swing arms may be pivotally coupled with the stationaryframe structure in a parallel orientation with one another to pivotabout a common axis.

Each of the pair of coupler bars may include a pedal clamp disposed atthe second end that clamps onto a pedal attached to the crank bar of thecycle-type machine.

Each of the pair of coupler bars may include a bolt that rotationallyattaches the coupler bar to the crank bar of the cycle-type machine.

Each of the pair of coupler bars may include an extension arm thataffixes to the crank bar of the cycle-type machine and extends a lengthof the crank bar, the coupler bar being rotationally attached to theextension arm.

Each of the pair of coupler bars may be extendable to a variable rangeof lengths.

Each of the pair of swing arms may be extendable to a variable range oflengths.

According to another embodiment, an elliptical-type exercise machineincludes: a cycle-type exercise machine having a frame and a circulardrive wheel driven by a pair of crank bars; a stationary frame structurethat attaches to the frame of the cycle-type exercise machine; a pair ofswing arms having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end ofeach of the pair of swing arms being pivotally coupled with thestationary frame structure to swing relative to the stationary framestructure; and a pair of coupler bars having a first end and a secondend, the first end of each of the pair of coupler bars being pivotallycoupled with the distal end of a respective one of the pair of swingarms, the second end of one of the pair of coupler bars beingrotationally attached to the crank bar on one side of the cycle-typeexercise machine and the second end of the other of the pair of couplerbars being rotationally attached to the crank bar on an opposite side ofthe cycle-type exercise machine.

According to another embodiment, a method of converting a cycle-typeexercise machine into another type of exercise machine includes:mounting a stationary frame structure onto a frame of the cycle-typeexercise machine, the stationary frame structure pivotally coupled witha pair of swing arms having a proximal end and a distal end, theproximal end of each of the pair of swing arms being coupled with thestationary frame structure to swing relative to the stationary framestructure; and attaching each of a pair of coupler bars having a firstend and a second end to a crank bar of the cycle-type exercise machine,the first end of each of the pair of coupler bars being pivotallycoupled with the distal end of a respective one of the pair of swingarms, the second end of each of the pair of coupler bars beingrotationally attached to the crank bar.

The method may further include attaching a pair of foot platforms orpedals to the pair of coupler bars.

The method may further include attaching a pair of handles to the pairof coupler bars at the first end or the pair of swing arms at the distalend.

The method may further include adjusting a length of at least one of thepair of coupler bars or the pair of swing arms.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus to retrofit standardbicycles to elliptical bicycles is provided, where the standard bicyclehas a diamond frame, and two crank arms attached to each other through acrank axle. The apparatus includes: a pair of stationary generallyvertical bars, each having a proximal end and a distal end; a pair ofswing arms that swing around an arm joint axle, each swing arm beingadjacent to a respective one of the generally vertical bars, each of theswing arms having a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of footplatforms hingedly connected to the crank arms, rotating around thecrank axle; a pair of generally horizontal bars that are an intermediarybetween the swing arms and the foot platforms, each having a proximalend and distal end; and a rear triangle mount that is an intermediary tohingedly connect the generally vertical bars to the diamond frame of thebicycle. The generally vertical bars are hingedly connected to the swingarms at an arm joint, and the swing arms are hingedly connected to thegenerally horizontal bars.

A crossbar beam may be connected through a crossbar joint connectionfrom the proximal vertical bar to the distal vertical bar.

An extension member may be hingedly connected between the distalgenerally vertical bar and the distal swing arm.

The rear triangle mount may have two plates that are formed to fastenonto the rear stays of the back triangle of the diamond bicycle frameand may be connected using threaded bolts.

The bottoms of the foot platforms may be secured by at least onebracket.

The foot platforms may be connected to the crank arms through a pedalaxle connector.

The substituted foot platforms may be attached rotationally to thehorizontal bars.

According to another embodiment, a method to convert a standard bicycle,which has a diamond frame and two crank arms attached to each otherthrough a crank axle, into an elliptical bicycle includes: retrofittingthe standard bicycle by removing the seat and conventional bicyclepedals; attaching foot platforms; attaching generally vertical bars witha rear triangle mount to the diamond frame of the bicycle; attachingswing arms that swing around an arm joint axle to the generally verticalbars; attaching the swing arms to generally horizontal bars; andconnecting the generally horizontal bars to the foot platforms.

The method may further include attaching a crossbar beam using acrossbar joint connection that connects both of the generally verticalbars across the rear portion of the bicycle.

The method may further include attaching an extension member to thedistal generally vertical bar, in order to move the generally verticalbar away from a chain or derailleur.

The method may further include connecting the foot platform so that itis pivotable around the crank axle.

The swing arms may swing adjacent to the rear wheel of a bicycle.

The foot platforms may be attached to the crank arm using a pedal axleconnector.

According to another embodiment, a device to provide multiple uses ofexercising includes a diamond frame standard bicycle having a frame andtwo crank arms, a pair of generally vertical bars presented on both theright and left sides of the standard bicycle, and a pair of swing armsattached to the generally vertical bars, the swing arms presented onboth the right and left sides of the standard bicycle. The swing armsare attached rotationally to an axle, the swing arms each being hingedlyattached to a pair of generally horizontal bars presented on oppositesides of the frame of the standard bicycle. The generally horizontalbars are intermediately connected between the swing arms and a pair offoot platforms, and the foot platforms are hingedly attached to thecrank arms and move rotationally around the crank axle. The device alsoincludes a rear triangle mount that is an intermediary to hingedlyconnect the generally vertical bars to the diamond frame of the bicycle.The rear triangle mount has two plates that are formed to fasten ontothe rear stays of the back triangle of diamond bicycle frame and areconnected using threaded bolts. The generally vertical bars are hingedlyconnected to the swing arms, and the swing arms are hingedly connectedto the horizontal bars.

A crossbar beam may be connected through a crossbar joint connectionfrom the proximal generally vertical bar to the distal generallyvertical bar.

An extension member may be hingedly connected between the generallyvertical bar and the swing arm, on each side of the bicycle.

The foot platforms may be secured by at least one bracket.

The foot platforms may be connected to the crank arms through a pedalaxle connector.

The pedal axle connector may be connected to the foot platform at a footplatform socket on the bottom side of the foot platform.

The foot platforms may be attached rotationally to the generallyhorizontal bars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a standard bicycle as is knownin the art with a bicycle to elliptical conversion apparatusincorporated thereon, according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of theconversion apparatus of FIG. 1, including the crossbar beam and thecrossbar joint connection, standing alone.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a second embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus, standing alone.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of thestandard bicycle and conversion apparatus incorporated thereon.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the connection of theconversion apparatus to the diamond frame of the standard bicycle usingplate connectors, according to both the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of one of thefoot platforms, according to both the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus coupled with selectedelements of a standard bicycle.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus coupled with a standardbicycle.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed view of the attachment points of theconversion apparatus to the standard bicycle of FIG. 8, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of theconversion apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates the conversion apparatus of FIG. 10 incorporated ina standard bicycle, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates the conversion apparatus of FIG. 10 configured in astationary exercise configuration with a standard bicycle, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of theconversion kit, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of theconversion kit, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of theconversion kit, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The elliptical pedaling motion aspect of the conventional ellipticalmachine, e.g., the technology of U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,446 discussedabove, is not transformable, and elliptical machines using thistechnology can be very expensive. To remedy these issues, embodimentsdescribed herein provide for a dual-use exercise machine that can beused in an effective way to decrease the aforementioned strain andstress on the body by converting the circular pedaling motion of aconventional cycle into a non-circular, e.g., elliptical, motion of ahuman operator, while also increasing efficiency and decreasing costsfor consumers.

In particular, embodiments include a conversion apparatus that convertsa standard cycle having a drive train based upon a circular pedalingmotion into an exercise machine in which a human operator uses anon-circular motion in place of the circular pedaling motion of thestandard cycle. In various embodiments, the conversion apparatus canconvert the standard cycle into an elliptical-type cycle, a stationaryelliptical exercise machine, a rowing machine, or other exercise machinein which a human operator exercises by operating the machine withnon-circular motions of portions of the operator's body. While theembodiments described herein convert a standard cycle into an ellipticalexercise machine, this should not be construed as limiting, as theprinciples and mechanisms described herein may also be used to convert astandard cycle into different types of exercise machines.

One or more embodiments include a conversion apparatus for converting astandard bicycle or other mechanical device, e.g., exercise equipment,to an elliptical bicycle or an elliptical-type mechanical device orexercise machine, which may or may not include hand grips forsimultaneously exercising the arms. The elliptical-type bicycle may beused on the road or as a stationary exercise machine, and can beconverted back to a conventional bicycle when desired. The conversionapparatus can easily be installed and removed from a standard bicycle totemporarily change it to an elliptical bicycle, thereby providing for adual-use exercise machine. The embodiments also provide thismultifunctional capacity to stationary exercise machines, e.g., spincycles and other mechanical devices as described herein.

In accordance with industry standards, the present disclosure asillustrated herein combines components of both a standard cycle and anelliptical device to achieve a decreased risk of injuries, while alsoacting as a dual use exercise device. The conversion apparatus allows astandard cycle, e.g., a bicycle with a diamond frame (as understood byone having ordinary skill in the art), to be reconfigured in a temporaryor permanent, but convertible, method to a device that operates likethat of an elliptical device.

This multi-use technology has the ability to provide the low impactexercise benefits of an elliptical device on what would otherwise be aconventional, or standard, bicycle. One of the notable aspects of thedisclosed conversion apparatus is that configuration may be temporaryand the conversion apparatus can be easily removed, or the conversionapparatus may be permanently integrated, but multimodal to adhere to theuser's preference of either an elliptical bicycle or a standard bicycle.In the permanent installation of the conversion apparatus, the userwould be able to choose a degree of non-circularity of the pedalingmotion, thereby facilitating the bicycle's operation using a circularpedaling motion or using an elliptical pedaling motion without removingthe conversion apparatus simply by positioning the foot platforms alonga length of a bar toward or away from the circular drive gear. Themulti-functioning, bicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus describedherein is easy to incorporate in an existing standard bicycle, and istherefore an efficient and inexpensive alternative to prior technology.Using the conversion apparatus, a single traditional bicycle can both beused as a traditional bicycle, and as an elliptical bicycle, based on aconsumer-friendly mechanism and device that decreases costs for theconsumer. Using embodiments of the conversion apparatus, the customermay easily transform the traditional bicycle into a variety of types ofexercise equipment based on the conversion apparatus's transformation ofa non-circular motion of the human operator into a circular pedalingmotion of the traditional bicycle on which the conversion apparatus ismounted. Therefore, the conversion apparatus facilitates the user tohave multiple exercise machines to perform similar functions based on asingle standard bicycle. Embodiments of the conversion apparatusincrease overall efficiency by the use of an all-in-one type oftechnology as well as provide convenience to the consumer, since theconversion apparatus is easy to store and easy to use. Further, thetechnology allows the device to be used outdoors or indoors, in either amovable manner or a stationary manner through the optional use of astationary mount.

Conversion of a drive train of a bicycle that is driven by circularpedaling motions of an operator to an elliptical drive train driven bynon-circular pedaling motions of the operator is accomplished using theprinciple of a four bar linkage and coupler. In this principle, a firstbar (the frame) is held stationary, while a second bar (the crank)having a first end attached to a first axis at a first end of the framerotates 360 degrees around the first axis. A third bar (the rocker) hasa first end thereof attached to a second axis at a second end of theframe and a second end thereof attached to a first end of a fourth bar(the coupler) at a third axis. The coupler couples the crank and therocker by attaching a second end of the coupler to a fourth axis at thesecond end of the crank. As the crank rotates 360 degrees around thefirst axis, the rocker rocks back and forth relative to the frame due tobeing coupled at its first end to the second end of the frame and at itssecond end to the first end of the coupler. While the second end of thecrank forms a circular path as the crank rotates 360 degrees around thefirst axis, a point somewhere between the first end and the second endof the coupler forms a non-circular path. By replacing a standard pedalat the second end of the crank with an apparatus that includes a rockerattached to a distant end of a frame that also attaches to the secondend of the crank and a coupler having a foot platform attached theretobetween the rocker and the pedal-side of the crank, the circular motionof the standard pedal can be converted to non-circular motion of thefoot platform. The shape of the motion of the foot platform can bevaried from a circular path when placed right at the second end of thecrank where the standard pedal is conventionally attached to a path ofan arc when placed right at the second end of the rocker, with variouselongated, noncircular paths in between along a length of the coupler.

The principle of the four bar linkage and coupler can be applied to astandard bicycle frame to convert the standard bicycle to anelliptical-type bicycle in an embodiment by mounting a rocker arm and acoupler bar to one or more points on the bicycle frame and each of thetwo crank bars or two pedals attached to the two crank bars of thebicycle. In this manner, the bicycle frame is treated as the stationaryfirst bar and the bicycle's crank bars are treated as the rotatingsecond bar of the four bar linkage and coupler principle. Thus, in thisembodiment there are two sets of rocker arms and coupler bars attachedto the bicycle frame and crank bars or pedals, one set for each of thetwo bicycle crank bars or pedals. The two sets of rocker arms andcoupler bars may be independent of each other in some embodiments, or inother embodiments may be integrated together into an apparatus havingits own unified frame that couples to the bicycle frame at one or morepoints.

In various embodiments, additional bars could be added without departingfrom the four bar linkage and coupler principle described herein.

A standard bicycle includes a frame, a drive wheel, handlebars, and acrankshaft. Additionally, the standard bicycle includes a seat andregular pedals, which are components that are removable to accommodateinstallation of an embodiment of the bicycle to elliptical conversionapparatus disclosed herein. Almost all bicycles will have the samestandard features and will be able to be retrofitted with an embodimentof the conversion apparatus. In fact, many bicycles may be functionallyidentical with simply a difference in ornamental design. Differences mayinclude a difference in wheel size, proximity of the wheels orhandlebars to one another, height of the bicycle, colors used to paintthe bicycle, and other nonessential differences.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference has been made to the embodiments illustrated in thedrawings, and specific language has been used to describe theseembodiments below. However, no limitation of the scope of the inventionis intended by this specific language, and the invention should beconstrued to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to oneof ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing the particular embodiments and is not intended tobe limiting of exemplary embodiments of the invention. In thedescription of the embodiments, certain detailed explanations of relatedart are omitted when it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscurethe essence of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a standard bicycle 10 as isknown in the art with a conversion apparatus 40 incorporated thereon,according to a first embodiment. The standard bicycle 10 of FIG. 1includes a frame 12, diamond frame 14, wheels 16, a handlebar 18, frontgear wheel 20, crank axle 22, crank bar 24 and crank 26. The standardbicycle 10's conventional seat and pedals have been removed asillustrated in FIG. 1 during the process of retrofitting the standardbicycle 10 using the conversion apparatus 40 to create an ellipticalbicycle. In this embodiment, the conversion apparatus 40 turns theconventional diamond frame bicycle 10 into an elliptical bicycle bymounting to the rear triangle of the bicycle frame 12 and screwing intothe crank bar 24.

In the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the conversion apparatus 40includes a crossbar beam 92 and a crossbar joint connection 94. Thefirst embodiment of the conversion apparatus 40 is illustrated as beingretrofitted onto the standard diamond frame 14 of the standard bicycle10. The standard diamond frame 14 includes a diamond frame coupler bar36 and a diamond frame angled bar 38. The first embodiment also includesa seat post 28, which is the place in which the standard bicycle 10ordinarily holds a regular seat. In accordance with this embodiment, theregular seat of the standard bicycle is removed and replaced with a seatinsert 30, which may be a type of plug component as known in the art.

The broken lines in FIG. 1 illustrate the elliptical pedaling motionthat takes place when riding the standard bicycle 10 having theconversion apparatus 40 installed thereon as disclosed and illustratedherein. This motion is a forward and backward pedaling motion combinedwith a slight upward and downward motion to provide a movement thatresembles an elliptical exercise machine. The ability to exercise in anelliptical fashion using a standard bicycle converted in a nonpermanentway into an elliptical exercise machine provides for the many benefitsdescribed herein, e.g., being efficient, cost-effective, andinexpensive.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of theconversion apparatus 40 of FIG. 1, including the crossbar beam 92 andthe crossbar joint connection 94, standing alone. The conversionapparatus 40 has vertical bars 42 to attach to the diamond frame 14 ofthe standard bicycle 10 utilizing plate connector nuts 43, plateconnector bolts 45, inner clamp plates 44, outer clamp plates 46, andplate connector links 48. As illustrated in FIG. 2, arm joint axles 50connect to the crossbar beam 92 at the crossbar joint connections 94.The vertical bars 42 and the elements used to attach the vertical bars42 together and to the bicycle 10 are stationary and effectively form anextension of the frame of the bicycle. The collection of stationaryelements of the conversion apparatus 40 including the vertical bars 42can be referred to as a stationary frame structure of the conversionapparatus 40.

The arm joint axles 50 connect the vertical bars 42 with swing arms 60using joint axle bolts 56 and joint axle sockets 54. The arm joint axles50 are pivot points from which the swing arms 60 swing back and forth.The swing arms 60 are connected to coupler bars 70 at lower jointapertures 64 by way of lower joint sockets 72. This connection isestablished at lower joint bolts 74, lower joint washers 76, and lowerjoint nuts 78.

The coupler bars 70 are then connected to foot platforms 80, of which anexploded version is shown in FIG. 3 and explained further below. Thefoot platform 80, which is shaped like that of an elliptical pedal asknown in the art, has a foot platform front guard 86 and a foot platformrear guard 88.

The four bar linkage and coupler principle is implemented by theconversion apparatus 40, with the crank bar 24 serving as the crank ofthe four bar linkage, the coupler bar 70 serving as the coupler of thefour bar linkage, the vertical bar 42 combining with the diamond frame14 to serve as the frame of the four bar linkage, and the swing arm 60serving as the rocker of the four bar linkage.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a second embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 140, standing alone. Incontrast to the conversion apparatus 40 of the first embodiment, theconversion apparatus 140 of the second embodiment does not include acrossbar beam or crossbar joint connections. Rather, the two verticalbars 42 are separate from one another and only connected through theframe of the bicycle 110 on which they are installed. The vertical bars42 and the elements used to attach the vertical bars 42 to the bicycleare stationary and effectively form an extension of the frame of thebicycle. The collection of stationary elements of the conversionapparatus 140 including the vertical bars 42 can be referred to as astationary frame structure of the conversion apparatus 140.

The conversion apparatus 140 of the second embodiment also differs fromthe conversion apparatus 40 of the first embodiment in that the secondembodiment includes an extension member 98 between the distal end's armjoint axle 50 and joint axle socket 54. The extension member 98 may bepresent in the embodiment in order to enable movement of the coupler bar70 away from the chain or derailleur of a standard bicycle. Theextension member 98 may be connected to the distal end of the bicycle inbetween the distal vertical bar 42 and the distal swing arm 60, asillustrated in FIG. 2.

The other parts of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 areessentially identical to those within the first embodiment illustratedin FIG. 2; however FIG. 3 is an exploded view, and illustratesadditional parts of the conversion apparatus 140, which may also beincorporated in the first embodiment. For instance, the connectionsbetween the coupler bars 70 and the foot platforms 80 include footplatform sockets 71, foot platform bolts 73, foot platform washers 75,and foot platform nuts 77. Further, the arm joint axles 50 use jointaxle inserts 52 that are inserted into the joint axle sockets 54 toperform the aforementioned connections in FIG. 2. The connections usejoint axle washers 53 in addition to the other indicated parts.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of thestandard bicycle 110 and conversion apparatus 140 incorporated thereon.As illustrated, the second embodiment includes the extension member 98within the conversion apparatus 140, but does not include the crossbarbeam or crossbar joint connection of the first embodiment. Other partsof the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are essentially identical withthose of the first embodiment. As stated with reference to FIG. 3, theextension member 98 may enable the movement of the distal coupler bar 70such that it is further away from the chain or derailleur of thestandard bicycle 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the connection of theconversion apparatus 40 or 140 to the diamond frame 14 of the standardbicycle 10 or 110 using plate connectors, according to both the firstand second embodiments. Specifically, the inner clamp plates 44, theouter clamp plates 46, the plate connector nuts 43, the plate connectorbolts 45, and the plate connector links 48 effectively attach theconversion apparatus 40 or 140 to the crank 26 using the diamond framecoupler bar 36 and the diamond frame angled bar 38. The surrounding armsof the conversion apparatus 40 or 140 itself are shown as well,including the vertical bar 42, the swing arm 60, and the coupler bar 70.The conversion apparatus 40 or 140 is assembled to the diamond corner ofthe bicycle by connecting to the rear triangle of the diamond frame 14of the bicycle, and then being screwed into place with theaforementioned parts to be effectively attached to the crank 26. Whilenot directly connected to the rear wheel 16 or the crank 26, theconversion apparatus 40 or 140 nevertheless comprises a reciprocatingdrive mechanism that is rear wheel oriented by mounting directly to therear triangle of the diamond frame 14.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of one of thefoot platforms 80, according to both the first and second embodiments.The foot platform 80, which is shaped like an elliptical pedal, includesa foot platform front guard 86 and a foot platform rear guard 88. FIG. 6illustrates the foot platform 80 connected to the crank bar 24 and axlesfor the pedal through the foot platform socket 71 at a pedal axleconnector 34. Additionally, the foot platform 80 is secured by a frontfoot platform bracket 82 and rear foot platform bracket 84.

In the disclosed embodiments, the vertical bar 42, swing arm 60, andcoupler bar 70 can be made of metal; however, another material that issufficiently strong and lightweight to meet the durability and weightrequirements of a particular application of the embodiments may be usedinstead. This is also true for the plates, nuts, bolts, washers, andother connecting pieces within the disclosed embodiments, which may alsobe made of metal, e.g., aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, bronze, zinc,carbon steel, and stainless steel.

Through the swift removal of the conventional pedals and seat of astandard bicycle (e.g., standard bicycle 10 or 110), and reconfigurationof the standard bicycle by attaching the conversion apparatus 40 or 140at both the crank axle 22 and the rear portion of the diamond frame 14,embodiments of the conversion apparatus 40 or 140 can be easilyassembled onto the standard bicycle.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 700 coupled with selectedelements of a standard bicycle. In this embodiment, the conversionapparatus 700 turns the conventional diamond frame bicycle into anelliptical bicycle by mounting to the seat post 728 using a seat postinsert 730 and screwing into the crank bars 724. Thus, the thirdembodiment of the bicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 700 hasthree contact points with the standard bicycle. The illustrated elementsof a standard bicycle in FIG. 7 include the seat post 728, diamond framecoupler bars 736, diamond frame angled bars 738, crank axle 722, andcrank bars 724.

The triconnect frame structure 792 provides a stable platform upon whicha bicycle seat could be attached to replace the bicycle seat removedfrom the seat post 728 in order to facilitate the triconnect framestructure 792 being attached to the seat post 728 using the seat postinsert 730 disposed in the front corner of the triconnect framestructure 792. The triconnect frame structure 792 functions as anextension of the bicycle frame for each of two swing arms 760 to becoupled at a respective rear corner of the triconnect frame structure792. Each swing arm 760 is coupled to the triconnect frame structure 792at an arm joint aperture 750 using a joint axle bolt 752 passing througha hole in each side of the joint aperture 750, a hole in the swing arm760, and a set of joint axle washers 753 on either side of the swing arm760. The joint axle insert 752 is fastened to the arm joint aperture 750using a joint axle nut 756.

Each swing arm 760 is coupled to a coupler bar 770 at a lower jointaperture 764. An end of the coupler bar 770 fits within the lower jointaperture 764 and a lower joint bolt 774 passes through a pair of holeson either side of the lower joint aperture 764, a hole in the end of thecoupler bar 770, and a pair of lower joint washers 775 on either side ofthe hole in the end of the coupler bar 770. The lower joint bolt 774 isattached in place using a lower joint nut 778.

Each coupler bar 770 is fastened to the respective crank bar 724 of thebicycle in a manner that permits adjustment of the effective length ofthe crank bar 724 when coupled with the coupler bar 770. This isaccomplished by using a crank bar extender 772 that is firmly connectedto the crank bar 724 in place of the standard bicycle pedal and extendsoutward from the crank bar 724 in a radial direction away from the crankaxle 722 toward an end of the crank bar extender 772 that rotationallycouples with an end of the coupler bar 770. A crank bar attachment bolt745 passes through an oblong opening of the crank bar extender 772 at anadjustable position along the length of the crank bar extender 772 andfastens to the threaded crank bar hole 743 to facilitate adjustment ofthe combined length of the crank bar 724 and crank bar extender 772. Acrank bar end of the crank bar extender 772 is firmly attached to thecrank bar 724 so that the crank bar extender 772 is effectively attachedto the crank bar 724 at two points in order to ensure stability. A crankbar extender U-bolt 746 fastens the crank bar 724 to the crank bar endof the crank bar extender 772 by surrounding the crank bar 724, passingthrough two holes at the crank bar end of the crank bar extender 772,and then being fastened into place using two crank bar extender U-boltnuts 744. The crank bar extender 772 rotationally couples with thecoupler bar 770 at an end of the crank bar extender 772 opposite thecrank axle 722 using a crank bar extender axle bolt 773 that passesthrough a hole in the end of the coupler bar 770, one or more crank barextender axle washers 775 on the outside or both sides of the couplerbar 770, and a crank bar extender axle extension tube disposed betweenthe crank bar extender 772 and the coupler bar 770. The crank barextender axle bolt 773 is fastened to the crank bar extender 772 using acrank bar extender axle nut 742.

An elliptical foot platform 780 is fastened to each coupler bar 770 at aposition between the crank bar end of the coupler bar 770 where thecoupler bar 770 attaches to the crank bar extender 772, and the swingarm end of the coupler bar 770 where the coupler bar 770 attaches to theswing arm 760. A path traversed by the human operator's foot whilepedaling the bicycle using the bicycle to elliptical conversionapparatus 700 is dependent upon the position of the elliptical footplatform 780 between the crank bar end and the swing arm end of thecoupler bar 770 as discussed previously. The elliptical foot platform780 may be fastened to the coupler bar 770 using screws, rivets, welds,glue, straps, or other fastening mechanisms as known in the art, and inconfigurations shown in FIG. 7 or discussed elsewhere herein.

The four bar linkage and coupler principle is implemented by theconversion apparatus 700, with the combined crank bar 724 and crank barextender 772 serving as the crank of the four bar linkage, the couplerbar 770 serving as the coupler of the four bar linkage, the triconnectframe structure 792 combining with the seat post 728 to serve as theframe of the four bar linkage, and the swing arm 760 serving as therocker of the four bar linkage.

In various embodiments, a shape of the elliptical foot platform 780 maytake many forms, and is not limited to those forms shown in the encloseddrawings. In addition, any of the components of the conversion apparatus700 can be fastened to other components of the conversion apparatus 700as indicated and illustrated herein using not only the fasteningmechanisms described, but alternative using other fastening mechanismsas known in the art. Also, a length and shape of the components of theconversion apparatus 700 can vary according to an application at hand,and one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to apply theteachings herein to determine an appropriate length and shape of thecomponents according to an the application at hand without undueexperimentation.

While the third embodiment of the bicycle to elliptical conversionapparatus 700 is described as converting the standard bicycle to anelliptical bicycle or exercise machine, this should not be construed aslimiting, as in various embodiments, the bicycle to ellipticalconversion apparatus 700 may convert the standard bicycle into adifferent exercise machine. For example, the bicycle to ellipticalconversion apparatus 700 may be modified in other embodiments to convertthe bicycle to a rowing machine by attaching handles to the coupler bars770 at or near the swing arm end of the coupler bars 770, or to theswing arms 760 at or near the end that couples with the coupler bars770. Although the handles are not shown in the drawings attached to thecoupler bars 770 or to the swing arms 760 as described, in variousembodiments the handles may be similar to handles shown on handlebars inFIGS. 1, 4, 8, 9, 11, and 12, or on upright handles 846 shown in FIG. 8,and one of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to attachsimilar handles to the coupler bars 770 or to the swing arms 760. Inthese rowing machine embodiments, the bicycle having the conversionapparatus 700 installed could be used in a stationary configuration as asort of flywheel for use in a rowing machine capacity. For example, thehuman operator may be seated behind the bicycle retrofitted with theconversion apparatus, facing the bicycle and conversion apparatus, tooperate the drive mechanism of the combined bicycle and conversionapparatus. A desired length of the coupler bars 770 and the swing arms760 for optimal use in an application of the conversion apparatus as arowing machine could be determined by one of ordinary skill in the artwithout undue experimentation. The bicycle having the conversionapparatus 700 installed can therefore function as a rowing machine or asan elliptical-type exercise machine by simply replacing the footplatforms 880 with handles, or in some embodiments, having both foodplatforms 880 and handles installed on the conversion apparatus 700simultaneously.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 800 coupled with a standardbicycle. FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed view of the attachment points ofthe conversion apparatus 800 to the standard bicycle of FIG. 8,according to an embodiment. The illustrated elements of a standardbicycle in FIG. 8 include the seat post 828, diamond frame coupler bars836, diamond frame angled bars 838, crank axle 822, crank bars 824, andbicycle pedals 823. In the fourth embodiment of the bicycle toelliptical conversion apparatus 800, the conversion apparatus 800 turnsthe conventional diamond frame bicycle into an elliptical bicycle bymounting to the seat post tube 832 of the bicycle that attaches thebicycle seat 831 to the bicycle's seat post 828 using a detachable seatpost attachment device 830 and also clamping onto the bicycle pedals 823using pedal clamps 882. Like the third embodiment of the bicycle toelliptical conversion apparatus 700, the fourth embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 800 has three contact pointswith the standard bicycle. In contrast to the third embodiment of thebicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 700, the fourth embodiment ofthe bicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 800 is easier to connectto the bicycle and remove from the bicycle because the detachable seatpost attachment device 830 is easily attachable to and detachable fromthe bicycle's seat post tube 832, and the pedal clamps 882 are alsoeasily attachable to and detachable from the bicycle pedals 823 usingquick release levers 884. In an embodiment, the detachable seat postattachment device 830 may be attached by screwing a curved plate onto acurved plate receiver, such that the curved plate and curved platereceiver snugly hold the seat post tube 832 therebetween. In otherembodiments, the curved plate and curved plate receiver may be connectedusing a quick release lever, a hinge and latch, or other connectionmechanisms as known in the art.

A triconnect frame structure 892 with which the detachable seat postattachment device 830 is integrated functions as an extension of thebicycle frame for each of two swing arms 860 to be coupled at arespective rear corner of the triconnect frame structure 892. Each swingarm 860 is coupled to the triconnect frame structure 892 at an arm jointaperture 850. Each swing arm 860 is coupled to a coupler bar 870 at alower end of the swing arm 860.

Each coupler bar 870 is fastened to the pedal 823 that is in turnattached to the respective crank bar 824 of the bicycle. This isaccomplished by using the quick release levers 884 to quickly and easilyclamp the pedal clamps 882 onto the bicycle pedals 823. The pedal clamps882 are firmly attached to the elliptical foot platforms 880 in thisembodiment for stability and ease of operation. The elliptical footplatform 880 may be fastened to the coupler bar 870 and/or the pedalclamp 882 using screws, rivets, welds, glue, straps, or other fasteningmechanisms as known in the art, and in configurations shown in FIG. 7 ordiscussed elsewhere herein.

In addition, the fourth embodiment of the bicycle to ellipticalconversion apparatus 800 also includes a pair of upright handles 846 toimprove riding position on the bicycle after conversion into anelliptical bicycle using the conversion apparatus 800.

The components of the fourth embodiment of the bicycle to ellipticalconversion apparatus 800 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be connected withone another in various manners as discussed previously with respect tothe third embodiment of the bicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus700 shown in FIG. 7 or as otherwise understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of theconversion apparatus 1000, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11illustrates the conversion apparatus 1000 of FIG. 10 incorporated in astandard bicycle 1100, according to an embodiment. In the fifthembodiment, the conversion apparatus 1000 turns the conventional diamondframe bicycle 1100 into an elliptical bicycle by mounting to the seatpost 1128 using a seat post insert 1130 and attaching to each crank bar1124 on each side of the front gear wheel 1120. Thus, the fifthembodiment of the bicycle to elliptical conversion apparatus 1000 hasthree contact points with the standard bicycle 1100. The illustratedelements of the standard bicycle 1100 in FIG. 11 include the bicycleframe 1112, seat post 1128, diamond frame coupler bars 1136, diamondframe angled bars 1138, wheels 1116, handlebars 1118, and crank bars1124.

The triconnect frame structure 1092 provides a stable platform uponwhich a bicycle seat could be attached to replace the bicycle seatremoved from the seat post 1128 in order to facilitate the triconnectframe structure 1092 being attached to the seat post 1128 using the seatpost insert 1030 disposed in the front of the triconnect frame structure1092. The seat post insert 1030 is firmly attached to the seat post 1128of the bicycle frame 1112 using a seat post insert expansion nut 1031.The triconnect frame structure 1092 functions as an extension of thebicycle frame 1112 for each of two swing arms 1060 to be coupled at arespective side of crossbar beam 1094 attached to a rear end of thetriconnect frame structure 1092. Each swing arm 1060 is coupled to thecrossbar beam 1094 at an arm joint aperture 1054 using a joint axle bolt1052 passing through a hole in each side of the arm joint aperture 1054.

Each swing arm 1060 is coupled to a coupler bar 1070 at a lower jointaperture 1064. A lower arm end 1063 of the swing arm 1060 fits withinthe lower joint aperture 1064 attached to the coupler bar 1070 and alower joint bolt 1074 passes through a pair of holes on either side ofthe lower joint aperture 1064 and a hole in the lower arm end 1063.

Each coupler bar 1070 is fastened to the respective crank bar 1124 ofthe bicycle 1100 in a manner that permits adjustment of the effectivelength of the crank bar 1124 when coupled with the coupler bar 1170.This is accomplished by using a crank bar extender 1043 that is firmlyconnected to the crank bar 1124 in place of the standard bicycle pedaland extends outward from the crank bar 1124 in a radial direction awayfrom the front gear wheel 1120 toward an end of the crank bar extender1043. A crank bar end of the crank bar extender 1043 is firmly attachedto the crank bar 1124 so that the crank bar extender 1043 is effectivelyattached to the crank bar 1124 at two points in order to ensurestability. The crank bar extender 1043 attaches to the crank bar 1124using a crank bar clamp 1044 that holds the crank bar 1124 snuglyagainst the crank bar extender 1043 while clamping to the crank barextender 1043. In addition, the crank bar extender 1043 attaches to thecrank bar 1124 with a crank bar attachment bolt 1045 that passes throughone of several crank bar extension adjustment holes 1046 in the crankbar extender 1043 to screw into a threaded crank bar hole in the crankbar 1124. The combination of the plurality of crank bar extensionadjustment holes 1046 in the crank bar extender 1043 and an adjustableposition of the crank bar clamp 1044 along the length of the crank barextender 1043 facilitates adjustment of the combined length of the crankbar 1124 and crank bar extender 1043. At an end of the crank barextender 1043 furthest from a center of rotation of the front gear wheel1120 is a crank bar extender axle socket 1042. A crank bar extender axle1034 rotationally couples the crank bar extender axle socket 1042 with acrank bar extender axle extension tube 1072 attached to an end of thecoupler bar 1070 distal from the swing arm 1060.

An elliptical foot platform 1080 is fastened to each coupler bar 1070 ata variable position between the crank bar end of the coupler bar 1070where the coupler bar 1070 attaches to the crank bar extender 1043, andthe swing arm end of the coupler bar 1070 where the coupler bar 1070attaches to the swing arm 1060. A path traversed by the human operator'sfoot while pedaling the bicycle using the bicycle to ellipticalconversion apparatus 1000 is dependent upon the position of theelliptical foot platform 1080 between the crank bar end and the swingarm end of the coupler bar 1070 as discussed previously. The ellipticalfoot platform 1080 is slideably and adjustably fastened to the couplerbar 1070 using a clamp 1082. In some embodiments, screws can betightened in the clamp 1082 to tightly fasten the clamp to the couplerbar 1070. In other embodiments, a latch or buckle on a side of the clamp1082 may be used to permit convenient adjustment of the position of theclamp 1082 along the length of the coupler bar 1070 by making it easy toloosen and tighten the clamp 1082 on the coupler bar 1070 without tools.

The elliptical foot platform 1080 is coupled to the clamp 1082 via apair of platform mounting blocks 1086 that connect the elliptical footplatform 1080 to a platform axle 1084 that extends from a side of theclamp 1082. The elliptical foot platform 1080 is configured to rockforward and backward by the platform mounting blocks 1086 rotating aboutthe platform axle 1084. A platform spring 1085 surrounding the platformaxle 1084 and attached to a platform spring attachment rod 1083 disposedbelow the platform axle 1084 provides a centering force to maintain theelliptical foot platform 1080 in a level position generally parallel tothe coupler bar 1070 while also allowing the elliptical foot platform1080 to rock forward and backward according to a positioning of a humanoperator's foot as the human operator operates the drive train of thebicycle retrofitted with the conversion apparatus 1000.

The fifth embodiment of the conversion apparatus 1000 provides furtheradjustability features not included in the first through fourthembodiments. These include adjustability in a length of the triconnectframe structure 1092 between the seat post insert 1030 and the crossbarbeam 1094, a length of the swing arm 1060 between the crossbar beam 1094and the coupler bar 1070, a length of the coupler bar 1070 between theswing arm 1060 and the crank bar extender axle extension tube 1072, anda position of the elliptical foot platforms 1080 along the length of thecoupler bar 1070. This is accomplished by an inner triconnect framestructure tube 1091 that slides into the triconnect frame structure1092, which is in the form of an outer tube, and is secured in one of arange of possible positions by a fastener 1093 that holds the innertriconnect frame structure tube 1091 in place within the outer tube ofthe triconnect frame structure tube 1092. In addition, an inner swingarm tube 1061 that slides into the swing arm 1060, which is in the formof an outer tube, and is secured in one of a range of possible positionsby a fastener 1062 that holds the inner swing arm tube 1061 in placewithin the outer tube of the swing arm 1060. Also, an inner coupler bartube 1071 that slides into the coupler bar 1070, which is in the form ofan outer tube, and is secured in one of a range of possible positions bya fastener (not shown) that holds the inner coupler bar tube 1071 inplace within the outer tube of the coupler bar 1070. In someembodiments, the clamping pressure of the clamp 1082 on the coupler bar1070 may provide enough force to securely maintain the position of theinner coupler bar tube 1071 within the outer tube of the coupler bar1070. The fasteners mentioned above (i.e., fasteners 1062, 1093, andthat not shown) may include a screw, a button, a pin, a bolt, or otherfasteners as known in the art.

In various embodiments, the lengths of the coupler bar 1070 and theswing arm 1060 may be adjusted and fixed prior to an exercise session,and thereby be operationally fixable to a single length at a time. Inother embodiments, lengths of the coupler bar 1070 and the swing arm1060 may be variable during an exercise session according to amechanical adjustment apparatus that adjusts a position of the innercoupler bar tube 1071 within the outer tube of the coupler bar 1070 anda position of the inner swing arm tube 1061 within the outer tube of theswing arm 1060. Such a mechanical adjustment apparatus may include ascrew gear and a motor that operates the screw gear according to anoperator's instructions, a hydraulic chamber that increases in lengthaccording to operation of a hydraulic pump controlled by an operator, orother mechanisms operable to adjust a length of a tube as known in theart.

FIG. 12 illustrates the conversion apparatus of FIG. 10 configured in astationary exercise configuration with a standard bicycle, according toan embodiment. The bicycle illustrated in FIG. 12 is similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 11. The bicycle is configured in a stationaryexercise bicycle configuration by being placed on a stationary exercisebicycle stand 1210. The stationary exercise bicycle stand 1210 has afront stabilizing beam 1220, a rear stabilizing beam 1216, and a centralbeam 1214 that connects the stabilizing beam 1220 and rear stabilizingbeam 1216 together. The front wheel 1116 of the bicycle is held in placeabove the floor by a pair of vertical front risers 1212, while the rearwheel 1116 of the bicycle is held in place above the floor by a pair ofvertical rear risers 1218. A pair of resistance wheels 1222 are disposedon the central beam 1214 to press against the rear wheel 1116 andprovide rolling resistance against the rear wheel 1116. In variousembodiments, the level of resistance provided by the resistance wheels1222 may be adjustable in a manner as known in the art. In addition, thebicycle illustrated in FIG. 12 has upright handlebars in contrast to thehandlebars 1118 illustrated in FIG. 11.

While the fifth embodiment of the bicycle to elliptical conversionapparatus 1000 is described as converting the standard bicycle to anelliptical bicycle or exercise machine, this should not be construed aslimiting, as in various embodiments, the bicycle to ellipticalconversion apparatus 1000 may convert the standard bicycle into adifferent exercise machine. For example, the bicycle to ellipticalconversion apparatus 1000 may convert the bicycle to a rowing machine byattaching handles to the coupler bars 1070 at or near the swing arm endof the coupler bars 1070, or to the swing arms 1060 at or near the endthat couples with the coupler bars 1070. Although the handles are notshown in the drawings attached to the coupler bars 1070 or to the swingarms 1060 as described, in various embodiments the handles may besimilar to handles shown on handlebars in FIGS. 1, 4, 8, 9, 11, and 12,or on upright handles 846 shown in FIG. 8, and one of ordinary skill inthe art would understand how to attach similar handles to the couplerbars 1070 or to the swing arms 1060. The handles may be attached using aclamp similar to clamp 1082 as illustrated and described herein. Inthese rowing machine embodiments, the human operator may be seatedbehind the bicycle retrofitted with the conversion apparatus 1000 (e.g.,to the rear of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12), facing thebicycle and conversion apparatus 1000, to operate the drive mechanism ofthe combined bicycle and conversion apparatus 1000. A desired length ofthe adjustable coupler bars 1070 and the adjustable swing arms 1060 foroptimal use in an application of the conversion apparatus 1000 as arowing machine could be determined by one of ordinary skill in the artwithout undue experimentation.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of theconversion kit, according to an embodiment. The sixth embodimentillustrated in FIG. 13 is similar to the third embodiment of theconversion apparatus 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 with the followingdifferences. A triconnect frame structure 1392 includes rail mountportions 1393 on a front region thereof that mount into rail clamps of astandard bicycle seat rail mount 1395. The rail mount portions are at asame level as the rest of the triconnect frame structure 1392. Thetriconnect frame structure 1392 facilitates the sixth embodiment of theconversion apparatus to be mounted on a standard bicycle by removing thebicycle seat from the standard bicycle seat rail mount 1395, andclamping the rail mount portions 1393 of the triconnect frame structure1392 into the existing bicycle seat rail mount 1395, rather thanremoving both the bicycle seat and standard bicycle seat rail mount 1395on which the bicycle seat is mounted from the bicycle.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of theconversion kit, according to an embodiment. The seventh embodimentillustrated in FIG. 14 is similar to the third embodiment of theconversion apparatus 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 with the followingdifferences. A triconnect frame structure 1492 includes rail mountportions 1493 under a front region thereof that mount into rail clampsof a standard bicycle seat rail mount 1395. The rail mount portions areat a lower level than the rest of the triconnect frame structure 1492.The triconnect frame structure 1492 facilitates the seventh embodimentof the conversion apparatus to be mounted on a standard bicycle byremoving the bicycle seat from the standard bicycle seat rail mount1395, and clamping the rail mount portions 1493 of the triconnect framestructure 1492 into the existing bicycle seat rail mount 1395, ratherthan removing both the bicycle seat and standard bicycle seat rail mount1395 on which the bicycle seat is mounted from the bicycle.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of theconversion kit, according to an embodiment. The eighth embodiment of theconversion apparatus is installed on a stationary spin cycle. Ratherthan a rear wheel and a diamond bicycle frame, the stationary spin cycleincludes an upright frame 1536 and base frame 1537 that hold the seatpost 1528 and drive train elements in place in an upright position. Afront region of a triconnect frame structure 1592 includes a seat mount1530 that permits a seat 1510 mounted on an adjustable seat insert 1520to be inserted therein and adjusted forward or backward. The seat 1510and adjustable seat insert 1520 may be standard equipment on theillustrated spin cycle, and the seat mount 1530 may replace the seatmount that is provided as standard equipment for the illustrated spincycle. The seat mount 1530 includes a post that mounts into an uprightseat post 1528 of the spin cycle.

Various modifications may be made to the disclosed exemplary embodimentsas understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and therefore thedetails of the disclosed embodiments should not be construed aslimiting. For example, in various embodiments, the frame of theconversion apparatus may be mounted to different portions of the cycleframe than illustrated or discussed with reference to the exemplaryembodiments, e.g., the rear triangle of the frame where a kickstand istypically mounted, or a bottom portion of the frame. Also, in someembodiments, the conversion apparatus may be mounted or welded onto theframe of a cycle, e.g., a bicycle or stationary exercise machine, fororiginal manufacturing of an elliptical-type bicycle or elliptical-typestationary exercise machine.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference has been made to the embodiments illustrated in thedrawings, and specific language has been used to describe theseembodiments. However, no limitation of the scope of the invention isintended by this specific language, and the invention should beconstrued to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to oneof ordinary skill in the art. Descriptions of features or aspects withineach embodiment should typically be considered as available for othersimilar features or aspects in other embodiments unless statedotherwise. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingthe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting ofexemplary embodiments of the invention. In the description of theembodiments, certain detailed explanations of related art are omittedwhen it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of theinvention.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. Numerous modifications and adaptations will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in this art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined by the followingclaims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by thedetailed description of the invention but by the following claims, andall differences within the scope will be construed as being included inthe invention.

No item or component is essential to the practice of the inventionunless the element is specifically described as “essential” or“critical”. It will also be recognized that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” and “having,” as usedherein, are specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms of art.The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, itshould be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms, which are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. Furthermore, recitation of ranges of values hereinare merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein.

GLOSSARY OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   10 standard bicycle    -   12 bicycle frame    -   14 diamond frame    -   16 wheel    -   18 handlebar    -   20 front gear wheel    -   22 crank axle    -   24 crank bar    -   26 crank    -   28 seat post    -   30 seat post insert    -   34 pedal axle connector    -   36 diamond frame coupler bar    -   38 diamond frame angled bar    -   40 conversion apparatus    -   42 vertical bar    -   43 plate connector nut    -   44 inner clamp plate    -   45 plate connector bolt    -   46 outer clamp plate    -   48 plate connector link    -   50 arm joint axle    -   52 joint axle insert    -   53 joint axle washer    -   54 joint axle socket    -   56 joint axle bolt    -   60 swing arm    -   64 lower joint aperture    -   70 coupler bar    -   71 foot platform sockets    -   72 lower joint socket    -   73 foot platform bolt    -   74 lower joint bolt    -   75 foot platform washer    -   76 lower joint washer    -   77 foot platform nut    -   78 lower joint nut    -   80 foot platform    -   82 front foot platform bracket    -   84 rear foot platform bracket    -   86 foot platform front guard    -   88 foot platform rear guard    -   92 crossbar beam    -   94 crossbar joint connection    -   98 extension member    -   110 standard bicycle    -   140 conversion apparatus    -   700 conversion apparatus    -   722 crank axle    -   724 crank bar    -   728 seat post    -   730 seat post insert    -   736 diamond frame coupler bar    -   738 diamond frame angled bar    -   742 crank bar extender axle nut    -   743 threaded crank bar hole    -   744 crank bar extender U-bolt nuts    -   745 crank bar attachment bolt    -   746 crank bar extender U-bolt    -   750 arm joint aperture    -   752 joint axle bolt    -   753 joint axle washer    -   756 joint axle nut    -   760 swing arm    -   764 lower joint aperture    -   770 coupler bar    -   771 crank bar extender axle extension tube    -   772 crank bar extender    -   773 crank bar extender axle bolt    -   774 lower joint bolt    -   775 crank bar extender axle washer    -   776 lower joint washer    -   778 lower joint nut    -   780 elliptical foot platform    -   792 triconnect frame structure    -   800 conversion apparatus    -   812 bicycle frame    -   816 wheel    -   818 handlebars    -   822 crank axle    -   823 bicycle pedals    -   824 crank bar    -   828 seat post    -   830 detachable seat post attachment device    -   831 bicycle seat    -   832 seat post tube    -   836 diamond frame coupler bar    -   838 diamond frame angled bar    -   846 upright handles    -   850 arm joint aperture    -   860 swing arm    -   870 coupler bar    -   880 elliptical foot platform    -   882 pedal clamp    -   884 quick release levers    -   892 triconnect frame structure    -   1000 conversion apparatus    -   1030 seat post insert    -   1031 seat post insert expansion nut    -   1034 crank bar extender axle bolt    -   1042 crank bar extender axle socket    -   1043 crank bar extender    -   1044 crank bar clamp    -   1045 crank bar attachment bolt    -   1046 crank bar extension adjustment hole    -   1052 joint axle bolt    -   1054 arm joint aperture    -   1060 swing arm    -   1061 inner swing arm tube    -   1062 fastener    -   1063 lower arm end    -   1064 lower joint aperture    -   1070 coupler bar    -   1071 inner coupler bar tube    -   1072 crank bar extender axle extension tube    -   1074 lower joint bolt    -   1080 elliptical foot platform    -   1082 clamp    -   1083 platform spring attachment rod    -   1084 platform axle    -   1085 platform spring    -   1086 platform mounting block    -   1091 inner triconnect frame structure tube    -   1092 triconnect frame structure    -   1093 fastener    -   1094 crossbar beam    -   1100 standard bicycle    -   1112 bicycle frame    -   1116 wheels    -   1118 handlebars    -   1120 front gear wheel    -   1124 crank bar    -   1128 seat post    -   1136 diamond frame coupler bar    -   1138 diamond frame angled bar    -   1210 stationary exercise bicycle stand    -   1212 vertical front risers    -   1214 central beam    -   1216 rear stabilizing beam    -   1218 vertical rear risers    -   1220 front stabilizing beam    -   1222 resistance wheels    -   1392 triconnect frame structure    -   1393 rail mount portion    -   1395 bicycle seat rail mount    -   1492 triconnect frame structure    -   1493 rail mount portion    -   1510 seat    -   1520 adjustable seat insert    -   1528 seat post    -   1530 seat mount    -   1536 upright frame    -   1537 base frame    -   1592 triconnect frame structure

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for converting a cycle-type exercisemachine into another type of exercise machine, the apparatus comprising:a stationary frame structure that attaches to a frame of the cycle-typeexercise machine; a pair of swing arms having a proximal end and adistal end, the proximal end of each of the pair of swing arms beingpivotally coupled with the stationary frame structure to swing relativeto the stationary frame structure; and a pair of coupler bars having afirst end and a second end, the first end of each of the pair of couplerbars being pivotally coupled with the distal end of a respective one ofthe pair of swing arms, the second end of each of the pair of couplerbars being configured to rotationally attach to a crank bar of thecycle-type exercise machine.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a pair of foot platforms, each of the pair of foot platformscoupled with one of the pair of coupler bars.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a pair of pedals, each of the pair of pedalscoupled with one of the pair of coupler bars.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a pair of handles, each of the pair of handlescoupled with one of the pair of coupler bars.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a pair of handles, each of the pair of handlescoupled with one of the pair of swing arms.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the stationary frame structure includes a seat post insert thatinserts into a seat post of a frame of the cycle-type exercise machine.7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stationary frame structureincludes a rail mount portion that mounts into a seat rail mount of thecycle-type exercise machine.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thestationary frame structure includes a seat post clamp that clamps onto aseat post insert below a seat of the cycle-type exercise machine.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the stationary frame structure includes apair of generally vertical bars having an upper end and a lower end, thelower end of each of the pair of generally vertical bars configured tomount onto a rear corner of a diamond frame of the cycle-type exercisemachine, and the proximal end of each of the pair of swing arms beingpivotally coupled with the upper end of a respective one of the pair ofgenerally vertical bars.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pairof swing arms are pivotally coupled with the stationary frame structurein a parallel orientation with one another to pivot about a common axis.11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of coupler barsincludes a pedal clamp disposed at the second end that clamps onto apedal attached to the crank bar of the cycle-type machine.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of coupler bars includesa bolt that rotationally attaches the coupler bar to the crank bar ofthe cycle-type machine.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each ofthe pair of coupler bars includes an extension arm that affixes to thecrank bar of the cycle-type machine and extends a length of the crankbar, the coupler bar being rotationally attached to the extension arm.14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of coupler barsis extendable to a variable range of lengths.
 15. The apparatus of claim1, wherein each of the pair of swing arms is extendable to a variablerange of lengths.
 16. An elliptical-type exercise machine comprising: acycle-type exercise machine having a frame and a circular drive wheeldriven by a pair of crank bars; a stationary frame structureincorporated into the frame of the cycle-type exercise machine; a pairof swing arms having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal endof each of the pair of swing arms being pivotally coupled with thestationary frame structure to swing relative to the stationary framestructure; and a pair of coupler bars having a first end and a secondend, the first end of each of the pair of coupler bars being pivotallycoupled with the distal end of a respective one of the pair of swingarms, the second end of one of the pair of coupler bars beingrotationally attached to the crank bar on one side of the cycle-typeexercise machine and the second end of the other of the pair of couplerbars being rotationally attached to the crank bar on an opposite side ofthe cycle-type exercise machine.
 17. A method of converting a cycle-typeexercise machine into another type of exercise machine, the methodcomprising: mounting a stationary frame structure onto a frame of thecycle-type exercise machine, the stationary frame structure pivotallycoupled with a pair of swing arms having a proximal end and a distalend, the proximal end of each of the pair of swing arms being coupledwith the stationary frame structure to swing relative to the stationaryframe structure; and attaching each of a pair of coupler bars having afirst end and a second end to a crank bar of the cycle-type exercisemachine, the first end of each of the pair of coupler bars beingpivotally coupled with the distal end of a respective one of the pair ofswing arms, the second end of each of the pair of coupler bars beingrotationally attached to the crank bar.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising attaching a pair of foot platforms or pedals to thepair of coupler bars.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprisingattaching a pair of handles to the pair of coupler bars at the first endor the pair of swing arms at the distal end.
 20. The method of claim 17,further comprising adjusting a length of at least one of the pair ofcoupler bars or the pair of swing arms.